Thursday September 14, 2017 at 6:18pm Age: 1 year
Category: High School, District

ORIGINAL, STUDENT COMPOSITION TO DEBUT WITH WARRIORS MARCHING BAND AT HOME GAME, 9/22

For his birthday in May, senior Erik Kroll had a choice: a car or a drum set? “I waited for my 7-piece drum set for a long time,” he said. “I knew exactly what I wanted.” And he had earned it, too.

Last December, Erik decided to try his hand at composition and began writing a cadence – a percussion-only piece played between full-band performances during a marching band parade. He knew he had "something," so when time came for band teachers to select a drumline leader this fall, he volunteered for the position. “He was it,” band teacher Matthew Christy said. “When we heard the first, short recording of his cadence earlier this year, we were blown away!”

Now that Erik’s cadence is complete and ready for show time, Mr. Christy has one word for it: “It’s awesome!” And he adds, “It’s written at college level. It makes a lot of sense, and it’s fun, yet challenging.”

So it’s no surprise that Erik, too, should be happy with the results of ten months of work. “I’m pretty proud of it,” he said. “And I’ve gotten a lot of good feedback from other band players. Everyone tells me how good it is.”

“Erik’s composition pushes our drummers to a next level of performance, which is our goal for all our student musicians,” Mr. Christy chimed in.

Asked about his creative process, Erik said that he relies on what he hears. “You can get ideas from anywhere. I hear things, and I make them my own,” he said. Erik also credits the high school band program with pushing him to write music.

“Drums are a big part of me. When I’m playing my drum set, I’m in my favorite place to be,” Erik said. And he doesn’t wait to get to band room, or his basement, to start drumming. “Even when I’m in other classes, my foot is always tapping under my desk.”

About Erik

In addition to his role in the Marching Band, Erik plays in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Labs I and II, and Jazz Ensemble. Somehow, he still finds time to be a track and cross country athlete.

He started playing drums in fifth grade band. The same year, he began taking private lessons with Al Konikowski, a judge for All County music festivals. Soon after, his parents gave him his first drum set. Mom happens to be a music teacher, so he’s never been short of encouragement and support for his musical talent.

His favorite drummer is Travis Baker of the rock band Blink-182.

In the near future, Erik plans to start recording drum covers. “I’m excited and ready to move forward,” he said.

He is yet to decide on a college but plans to major in computer science--and join his college's band, of course.

YOU ARE INVITED: Erik Kroll’s cadence will debut with the Warriors Marching Band on Friday, Sep. 22, during Minisink vs. Central Valley, home football game. GO WARRIORS!